John 3:22-36

John 3:22-36

verse 36: whoever believes in the Son will have eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. Did you notice the minor change to this verse ?

When John’s disciples said to John that ALL are going to Jesus, John answered “He must increase, but I must decrease” (v. 30). A man who demonstrated humility and maturity.

(V 26-29) As John was very clear on his call, nothing shakes, confused him, instead he was happy (v29). So unless we are clear on Gods call of our part in church mission, we will stumble and confuse, not happy and we may end giving up.

People compare ministries and it happened in those days as well. How did John react to the comparison? He reflected on his purpose and had a humble heart.

This passage shows how John the Baptist was baptizing people and that we should believe in Christ Jesus.

Everyone has to believe in Jesus for eternal life. If you don’t believe in Jesus, God’s anger remains on you.

John’s Happiness & the disciples jealously
1. Discipleship :
Jesus ” spent time them”
Discipleship is about witnessing, accountability, and one-on-one relationships with those who come to faith in Christ.
2.Two Ministries :
John 3:25-26 NIV
Jesus & John were baptizing at the same time and baptizing people, some of John’s disciples were not happy.They were upset about what’s going on after all John sent the crowd to Jesus. John was humble enough to respond to them.
John’s Happiness :
John 3:28-30 NIV
John’s ministry was to introduce the Messiah. He has done that, and his mission has been accomplished. And he was humble and from his heart he said ” He must become greater & i must become less”.
Acceptance of the real Messiah:
The Jew & the disciples were only believing john & his teaching they weren’t ready to accept the fact that Jesus is the one who is sent from above.

Vs 22-26- John the Baptist did not regard himself as better than Jesus. We should not think that we are better than others.

Vs 36 – whoever believes in the son has eternal life. But whoever rejects the son will not see life and Gods wrath remains on him.

He must become greater; I must become less. If we apply this to God, church, ministry and others…

(v30) He must become greater; I must become less.What a great attitude by JTB, he never took the credit though he came before Him, he repeatedly testifies He is above all. We should keep that in our mind all the time that there is one above all. We are nothing no matter what we are and what we have!

John gave water baptism to people so that Jesus might be revealed.Ch1v31. Jesus also baptized people with water Ch 3v26. I ask myself this question: Did He reveal Himself to me? I am inclined to say yes, because even Hitler will do the same. But would people around me can comfortably say, yes Jesus revealed Himself to Nathan? During this lent season and beyond, my sincere hope is that my words and actions will strengthen the people around me.

John was always clear on what God has called him for. That’s why he was humble through out. He didn’t feel his ministry was inferior too.He was able to experience the fullness of Joy. John 3:29,30

John 3:30 He must increase but I must decrease. If this becomes our motto in our life and church and anywhere, then we will become a better person for the family, church, community and wherever we are.

V30 I think it is fair to say ‘I AM THAT I AM’s should increase and our own ‘ i am’s should decrease in our conversations as well.

Gods wrath v.361. This verse shows that if you take away the idea of wrath then you take away the work of the Son. I have talked to some modern people they laugh at me saying that isn’t the Christian God a God love? What is this thing about wrath – a primitive idea.
2. This verse shows those people are incorrect or only half-right. Our God is more loving because he is a God of wrath and if you really want a loving God you have to believe in God’s wrath. If you take away God wrath, you have a less loving God not more.
3.His wrath remains (v36). This is an unpopular verse. But it is in the same chapter as 3:16 on God’s love.
Jesus help me to see the just wrath God has on me and without your work on my behalf I am unworthy for God’s love.

1. God has given each and everyone an individual duty to be performed in this world. Similar to John the baptist’s duty of preparing a way for Jesus. We should identify our duty and stick to that.
2. Though John the Baptist came to know about Jesus baptizing people, he didn’t panic. He was patient to tell everyone that it was Jesus. He was able to identify the person to Jesus.
My point here is am I able to identify my duty in this world and am I able to relate it with his calling?

Jesus is above all. For those who don’t believe in Him, God’s wrath will be upon them.

Everybody has to praise only God, not anyone else.

John says that his joy is COMPLETE only now (on seeing Jesus) He also gives a simple example by comparing Jesus to bridegroom and him as bridegroom friend. Is the joy in us complete when we wait and listen and hear the voice (v29) of Jesus?

I must decrease and HE must increase in our own life, our family and church life

30 He must increase , but I must decrease. – I take this as a secret for spiritual growth. For Him to increase within me, I need to give up things. I am ready to give up my favorite food (during lent 😄)but am I ready to give up the I’s that occupied my mind? Now I understood physical giving is easier than spiritual. I know without His help it is impossible to achieve. Purity and Love are like 2 eyes of spiritual journey. Base for Love is giving me up, loosing my identity. This helps Him to increase.

Verse 30 அவரது செல்வாக்குப் பெருக வேண்டும்; எனது செல்வாக்குக் குறைய வேண்டும். When we do any work for God in church, He should be increased, not my ideas nor my name.
36 மகனிடம் நம்பிக்கை கொள்வோர் நிலைவாழ்வைப் பெறுவர். If we believe, rely, trust in Jesus, we will get eternal life.

“The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” ~ John 3:29-30
I learned that we should do everything for God’s glory. Every success we get in life doesn’t come from us but from God. We shouldn’t take the credit but God should. Nothing comes from our own doings because every good thing comes only from God.